Monthly Archives: September 2014

Neem leaves are packed with antioxidants that are extremely beneficial in reducing melanin production and making the skin tone even. It also reduces dark spots and blemishes. All you need to do is prepare a neem concoction by boiling neem leaves in water and then straining the concoction. You can store this in a jar and apply on the skin every night to get even toned skin free from acne and blackheads.

Relieves Acne

Neem is one of the most ancient antiseptics. Making a face pack with neem can really control acne and even get rid of existing ones. Boil a few neem leaves and orange peel in water. When it become soft, remove and grind it into a paste. To this paste, add honey, yoghurt and milk to make a smooth pack. Apply this pack on your skin and allow it to dry and then wash it off. Repeating this process thrice a week ensures that there are no breakouts and blackheads on your skin.

Treating Skin Infections
Boil a few neem leaves till the time they turn soft. You will notice the water turning green because of the discolouration of the leaves. Strain this water and add some of it in your bath water. Regularly taking bath with this water will help in keeping skin infections under check. Neem leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. It also soothes irritation and reduces inflammation without drying the skin.
Remedy for Dry Skin
A neem pack is quite effective in taking care of an excessively dry skin. Take some neem powder and add a few drops of grape seed oil in it. Apply this evenly on your face and leave it on for a couple of minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Cure for Skin Pores

Neem provides an effective remedy in tackling problems such as blackheads, whiteheads and large pores. To combat these problems, you will need to prepare a mixture of neem leaves and orange peels. Pound the two to make a pulp and add a few drops of honey, soy milk and yoghurt to it. It is recommended that you apply this face pack at least thrice a week to notice results. If you only have blackheads, apply some neem oil on the affected area.

An Effective Hair Conditioner

Neem is known to moisturize hair and add bounce and luster to dull hair. You can either massage the scalp with neem oil regularly or can make a good conditioner in your kitchen. To make a hair pack, you need to boil neem leaves in water. Make a paste when the leaves become soft. Grind the leaves into a paste and then mix with honey. Apply this paste to your hair and wash it off when it dries for soft and conditioned hair.

Cures Scalp Problems

Neem is one of the most effective remedies for lice and dandruff. You will get neem powder that has been made with the help of the bark and roots of the neem tree. Making a paste and applying this on the scalp regularly drastically reduces dandruff and lice issues. You can add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to this paste for better results.

Acts as a Teeth Whitener

Neem twigs are effective in whitening the teeth and getting rid of many teeth problems like plaque, cavities and deposits. All you need to do is chew the end of the twig really well until it becomes brush-like. Massage this end on the gums and teeth for a while and then rinse the mouth.
If you are alright with the bitter taste, you can also chew about 2-3 neem leaves everyday. The neem juice cleanses your system internally and gives your hair and skin the nourishment it needs.
If you do not have enough time to make all these pastes and concoctions, there are alternatives that you can try. You can get neem oil readily in the market to use on the hair and skin.

You can also look for shampoos and soaps that consist of neem extracts to get good results.

1.) Use of Baking Soda:Baking soda can be used to get rid of acne scars naturally fast. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with 3 teaspoons of water to make a paste. Apply this all over your face on the scarred areas. Gently rub over skin in circular motion for about 3 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Baking soda helps in ex-foliate the skin, which gives a clear skin.

2.) Use of Honey:
Honey is the most effective way to get rid of acne scars naturally fast. Honey is a great natural solution for sensitive skin. Honey moisturizes skin and is non-irritating. Apply honey directly over the scars and leave it to dry. Rinse your face with warm water. Honey helps to soothe skin and reduces irritation on skin.

3.) Use of fresh lemon juice:
Mix fresh lemon juice and water in equal quantity. Apply the mixture on the face. Wash off with water after 15 minutes. Lemon juice acts as natural skin bleach. Lemon juice helps in fading of scars, which acts as an effective way to get rid of acne scars naturally fast.

4.) Use of sandalwood:
Mix sandalwood and rose water to make a paste. Apply this paste on the scars. Leave it for about 1 hour to dry. Wash off with water. Sandalwood has a cooling effect which soothes skin. It helps to get rid of acne scars naturally fast.

6.) Use of Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is famous for treating wounds and scars. Apply aloe Vera juice or gel on scars. Let it dry for about 1 hour and wash off with warm water. Apply it every day for fast results. Aloe Vera acts as a remedy to get rid of acne naturally fast.

7.) Use of cucumber:
Mash cucumber and apply them over the face for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Cucumber has cooling effect which keeps skin smooth. It helps to clear all the dirt on the skin. Cucumber is used in many beauty products to heal skin problems. Cucumber helps effectively to get rid of acne scars naturally fast.

8.) Healthy diet:
Maintain a balanced diet and eat healthy. Healthy and nutritious food helps to create new and healthy skin. Healthy diet increases immunity towards any infections which might increase acne scars. Acne scars can cause discoloration of skin. Healthy diet helps in preventing discoloration or pigmentation of skin. Healthy and nutritious diet is the most effective way to get rid of acne scars naturally fast.

9.) Water:
Water acts as a cleansing agent for skin. Water purifies skin and helps to clear skin. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to get rid of acne scars naturally fast. Water helps in ex-foliating the skin and removes all the skin impurities.

Additional Tips:
1.) Use single treatment at a time to see results and to check which treatment works fast to get rid of acne scars naturally.
2.) Save money and stick with nature by trying these natural ways to get rid of acne scars fast.
3.) The key to success is Patience. Scars will fade off after a few months when new collagen will fill in the affected area of skin.
4.) Avoid popping acne as it leaves ugly scars behind.
5.) Use gentle skin care products.

Cracked heels are a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing.
They look unattractive and in some cases, can even bleed and lead to infection and extreme pain. They can be easily taken care of with some simple and easy home remedies:

1. Drink Water – make all efforts to drink between 8-10 glasses of water during summer!

2. Petroleum Jelly – Vaseline can be used to treat dry skin and lock in moisture. Apply it to your cracked heals before bed and put a pair of socks on – you will see some improvement by the morning!

3. Honey – One easy remedy is to soak your feet in warm water and honey for ten minutes. This will help to get rid of the dryness and your feet will become soft and supple.

4. Olive Oil – The simplest way to heal cracked feet is to apply some extra virgin olive oil on your feet with the help of a cotton ball and gently massage the feet in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes and then slip on a pair of thick cotton socks. After one hour wash your feet.

You don’t need to splurge on expensive products or expose yourself to harsh chemicals to get the best in beauty treatments. There’s a multitasking wonder already in your home – Baking soda!

Grab a box of baking soda from your kitchen and get ready to see some big changes courtesy of these baking soda beauty fixes!

1. Hair CareFor scalp health, it is important you wash your hair brush regularly. Add baking soda in lukewarm water and dip your brush in it, and gently clean the bristles with your fingertips. Rinse with cold water and let it dry, fit for reuse!
Baking soda can also give your hair a voluminous uplift. Just mix a little baking soda with your regular shampoo and use that to wash your hair. This wash will also help to clean your scalp of all dirt as well.

2. Acne mask
A baking soda skin care mask is especially good for those who are troubled by acne. In lukewarm water, add some baking soda, and mix it well till it becomes a paste and then apply it on your face. Leave it on till it dries completely before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Not only will it take care of acne, but it will also work as an excellent remedy for blackheads.
You can also mix baking soda with honey for the same purpose.

3. Skin Scrub
Since baking soda is grainy, it acts as a natural and an effective scrub. Just sprinkle some of it on your palm, add some water to it, and gently scrub your face with this paste. After three to five minutes, rinse it off with cold water. It acts as an instant dead cells remover sans any chemicals and leaves your skin feeling supple.
You can also add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or rose water to baking soda to prepare the paste, instead of plain water.

4. Detoxify Your Body
Pamper your body with a much needed spa-like treatment at home with the help of baking soda. After a long day, it is natural that you feel drained out, but do yourself a favour and add half a cup of baking soda and two cups of Epsom salt in the bath tub filled with lukewarm water. Soak yourself for about half an hour and let your body get back its lost vigour. Make sure you drink enough water before sliding into the bath tub because this detoxification act may leave you dehydrated.
Instead of the above recipe, you can add one-fourth cup of baby oil and one cup of baking soda to your bath.

5. Relief from Sunburn
Scorching summers can leave your skin sunburnt, but baking soda treats sunburns as effectively as any other instant-relief methods. Soak a clean cloth in a mixture of baking soda and use this cool compress on the affected area.

6. Teeth Whitening
For pearl white teeth, make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, five drops of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of water. Apply this solution evenly on your teeth and let it stay for about ten minutes. Now brush your teeth with regular toothpaste and rinse well with water.

7. Deodorant
Body odour is a major turn off and can put you in an embarrassing situation, unannounced. So combat this trouble by using baking soda to neutralise body odour. Create a mixture of baking soda and your favourite essential oil, and apply it onto your underarms with a powder puff. You will not only amaze those around you with its fragrance, but also prevent sweat stains.

8. Nail Care
Baking soda can manicure your nails perfectly. To begin with, sprinkle some baking soda on your nail brush and gently scrub your nails before washing it with warm water. In case, you have fungal-infected nails, then make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it on the nails for about 7-10 minutes before washing it. Do it at least twice a day for it to rid you of the fungal infection.

9. Feet Care
As we said, baking soda can be used for beauty uses from head to toe. Baking soda can help you to get rid of foot odour and can also be used for pedicure. For a spa-like pedicure at home, mix three tablespoons of baking soda with an essential oil of your choice (lavender, tea tree rose or jasmine), and soak your feet in it for at least 20-25 minutes.
You can also use baking soda as a scrub to exfoliate your feet’s rough spot more effectively. This soak will help to take care of foot odour problems as well.

Is it a good idea to “starve” yourself just a little bit each day, or a couple of days a week? Mounting evidence indicates that yes, intermittent fasting (IF) could have a very beneficial impact on your health and longevity.

Aside from removing your cravings for sugar and snack foods and turning you into an efficient fat-burning machine, thereby making it far easier to maintain a healthy body weight, modern science has confirmed there are many other good reasons to fast intermittently. For example, research presented at the 2011 annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans showed that fasting triggered a 1,300 percent rise of human growth hormone (HGH) in women, and an astounding 2,000 percent in men.

HGH, human growth hormone, commonly referred to as “the fitness hormone,” plays an important role in maintaining health, fitness and longevity, including promotion of muscle growth, and boosting fat loss by revving up your metabolism.

Here are some facts about intermittent fasting on health.

1. Fasting gives the digestive system a restYour digestive system is working pretty hard, day in and day out, to cope with all the food and drink that you pass through it. Fasting occasionally gives it a much needed rest and you will find that your digestive system will work much better after a short break.

2. Fasting can help you beat addictions
Many people have found that fasting can help them overcome bad habits and addictions. If you are trying to quit smoking or give up drinking, then you might find that fasting for a while will help.

3. It is a great way to start a healthy diet
If you are planning to switch over to a healthier lifestyle and diet, then starting with a period of fasting can be a great way to begin. It gives your body a chance to rid itself of all the toxins from your old unhealthy diet and it gives you great motivation for your new diet and way of life.

4. Fasting normalizes insulin sensitivity
If you have been eating too much carbohydrates and sugar, your body can become insulin resistant, which can lead to diabetes. Regular fasting will stop this from happening and can prevent the onset of diabetes and other diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers.

5. Fasting can reduce your hunger levels
Going without food, for short periods of time, can reduce your hunger levels during the non-fasting periods. Fasting normalizes the levels of ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone, which will make you feel less hungry overall.

6. It can slow down the ageing process
A period of fasting increases the production of the human growth hormone. The human growth hormone promotes the growth of new and healthy cells, a lack of which, leads to premature aging.

7. Fasting promotes the detoxification process
When you fast, your body begins to use your fat reserves for fuel and this, as well as helping you to lose weight, will also help to release the toxins that have become stored up in the excess fat in your body.

8. It whitens the eyes and clears the complexion
Taking a break from eating solid food can also have some amazing effects on your skin and your eyes. Often, you will find that your skin becomes clearer, breakouts will reduce and even the whites of your eyes will appear whiter and clearer.

9. Fasting can reduce high blood pressure
For many people, a period of fasting can help to reduce high blood pressure without the need for medication. If you do take medication for high blood pressure, it is not advisable to try fasting before consulting with your doctor first though.

10. It can boost the immune system
A period of fasting can also boost your immune system. The best way to end a fast to gain this effect is not to return immediately to a binge on all those unhealthy foods though! Take it as an opportunity to change your diet for the better and celebrate the end of your fasting with a hearty meal of fruit and all those vitamins and minerals will get straight to work on your newly cleansed body.

Ice Cubes are one of the quickest ways to restore your face to a fresh and dewy look. So, in case you are ever in a hurry, make sure to just rub your face for a minute or two with ice cubes and you are ready to go!! Another added advantage is that ice cubes constrict your pores making your face look smoother.

They can be a great relief during the bad breakouts and particularly soothing for acne and inflammatory skin. A nice touch for using ice cubes would be to freeze your favorite fruit and vegetable juices into ice cubes. That would provide your skin with immediate anti-oxidants and the various benefits which come from topical application of the particular fruits.

Here are few amazing uses of ice cubes on skin:

Get rid of the pimples

Feel a pimple protruding through the surface of your skin? Well, no need to panic. Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth. Apply this cloth on the eruption for about 10 minutes. This would neutralise the blemish, decrease inflammation and redness, and diminish the swollen pores.

Perfect your makeup
Before starting with your foundation routine, prime your skin by rubbing an ice cube on your face. You will feel pleasantly refreshed; also the ice will minimise the size of pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines on your face. This will also make your skin very supple and prepare it for perfect makeup application.

Stay-on lipstick
When you are going to attend a wedding or going for an all-night party, you would obviously want your lipstick to last through the night! So, try this simple trick. After you have applied your chosen lipstick, run an ice cube over your lips to seal the colour. This will definitely help your lipstick to stay-on for a very long time.

Say goodbye to puffy eyes
It is quite obvious that if you had a late night, then you would land up with swollen eyes. To reduce the appearance of puffy eyes, wrap a cloth around few ice cubes and hold it over your eyes. Do this for a few minutes. The cold will reduce the swelling and will make you feel absolutely refreshed.

Dry up your nail paint

A major problem that many girls face is when they apply nail paint at the last minute and don’t have enough time to allow it to dry. In such a scenario, just fill a bowl with ice water and dip your hands in it, for about 5-7 minutes. The chilly temperature will seal your nail lacquer and will speed up the drying process.